I'd recommend Guatemala. My wife and I visited in November and loved it. And it offers the mix you are seeking; natural beauty, history, beautiful sunsets, plus warm and friendly people. I believe another Ziner is about to visit this wonderful country and others have been before.

In late December I posted a summary of our first two destinations in Guatemala, Antigua and Lake Atitlán. Still working on summaries regarding Cobán and Tikal.

John in San Diego

Moderator Mark's note - links to John's summaries: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheTravelzine/message/39724 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheTravelzine/message/39790